Priority need

‘dependent children’ live with you (under 16s or under 19s if they’re studying full-time)

you’re ‘vulnerable‘, eg as a result of old age or disability

you’re homeless after a flood, fire or other disaster

You may be entitled to Housing Benefit to help with your housing costs. If you are claiming Housing Benefit, ensure that you specifically request the local council to assess you for “Local Council Tax Reduction” as this is an entirely different benefit.

Also, an additional piece of legislation may help if you have children: Section 17 of The Childrens Act 1989 puts a duty of care on the local authority for children living in their area – regardless of their/their parents immigration status. Section 17(6) specifically stating:

(6) The services provided by a local authority in the exercise of functions conferred on them by this section may include [providing accommodation and] giving assistance in kind or . . in cash.

I am in no way suggesting that people coming home go directly to their local councils. Please try and ensure that you aren’t going to end up on the streets when you return home to the UK. However, If you arrange to sleep on a mates sofa, you are still considered as homeless.